2002 DODGE RAM service

Excessive IOD can be caused by:
²Electrical items left on.
²Faulty or improperly adjusted switches.
²Faulty or shorted electronic modules and compo-
nents.
²An internally shorted generator.
²Intermittent shorts in the wiring.
If the IOD is over thirty-five milliamperes, the
problem must be found and corrected before replac-
ing a battery. In most cases, the battery can becharged and returned to service after the excessive
IOD condition has been corrected.
(1) Verify that all electrical accessories are off.
Turn off all lamps, remove the ignition key, and close
all doors. If the vehicle is equipped with an illumi-
nated entry system or an electronically tuned radio,
allow the electronic timer function of these systems
to automatically shut off (time out). This may take
up to three minutes. See the Electronic Module Igni-
tion-Off Draw Table for more information.
ELECTRONIC MODULE IGNITION-OFF DRAW (IOD) TABLE
ModuleTime Out?
(If Yes, Interval And Wake-Up Input)IOD IOD After Time Out
Radio No 1 to 3 milliamperes N/A
Audio Power
AmplifierNo up to 1 milliampere N/A
Central Timer
Module (CTM)No4.75 milliamperes
(max.)N/A
Powertrain Control
Module (PCM)No 0.95 milliampere N/A
ElectroMechanical
Instrument Cluster
(EMIC)No 0.44 milliampere N/A
Combination Flasher No 0.08 milliampere N/A
(2) Determine that the underhood lamp is operat-
ing properly, then disconnect the lamp wire harness
connector or remove the lamp bulb.
(3) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(4) Set an electronic digital multi-meter to its
highest amperage scale. Connect the multi-meter
between the disconnected battery negative cable ter-
minal clamp and the battery negative terminal post.
Make sure that the doors remain closed so that the
illuminated entry system is not activated. The multi-
meter amperage reading may remain high for up to
three minutes, or may not give any reading at all
while set in the highest amperage scale, depending
upon the electrical equipment in the vehicle. The
multi-meter leads must be securely clamped to the
battery negative cable terminal clamp and the bat-
tery negative terminal post. If continuity between the
battery negative terminal post and the negative cable
terminal clamp is lost during any part of the IOD
test, the electronic timer function will be activated
and all of the tests will have to be repeated.
(5) After about three minutes, the high-amperage
IOD reading on the multi-meter should become very
low or nonexistent, depending upon the electrical
equipment in the vehicle. If the amperage reading
remains high, remove and replace each fuse or circuit
breaker in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) andthen in the Junction Block (JB), one at a time until
the amperage reading becomes very low, or nonexist-
ent. Refer to the appropriate wiring information in
this service manual for complete PDC and JB fuse,
circuit breaker, and circuit identification. This will
isolate each circuit and identify the circuit that is the
source of the high-amperage IOD. If the amperage
reading remains high after removing and replacing
each fuse and circuit breaker, disconnect the wire
harness from the generator. If the amperage reading
now becomes very low or nonexistent, refer to Charg-
ing System for the proper charging system diagnosis
and testing procedures. After the high-amperage IOD
has been corrected, switch the multi-meter to pro-
gressively lower amperage scales and, if necessary,
repeat the fuse and circuit breaker remove-and-re-
place process to identify and correct all sources of
excessive IOD. It is now safe to select the lowest mil-
liampere scale of the multi-meter to check the low-
amperage IOD.
CAUTION: Do not open any doors, or turn on any
electrical accessories with the lowest milliampere
scale selected, or the multi-meter may be damaged.
(6) Observe the multi-meter reading. The low-am-
perage IOD should not exceed thirty-five milliam-
peres (0.035 ampere). If the current draw exceeds
8F - 14 BATTERY SYSTEMBR/BE
BATTERY (Continued)

thirty-five milliamperes, isolate each circuit using the
fuse and circuit breaker remove-and-replace process
in Step 5. The multi-meter reading will drop to
within the acceptable limit when the source of the
excessive current draw is disconnected. Repair this
circuit as required; whether a wiring short, incorrect
switch adjustment, or a component failure is at fault.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - USING
MIDTRONICS ELECTRICAL TESTER
Always use the Midtronics Instruction Manual that
was supplied with the tester as a reference. If the
Instruction Manual is not available the following pro-
cedure can be used:
WARNING: ALWAYS WEAR APPROPRIATE EYE
PROTECTION AND USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN
WORKING WITH BATTERIES.
BATTERY TESTING
(1) If testing the battery OUT-OF-VEHICLE, clean
the battery terminals with a wire brush before test-
ing. If the battery is equipped with side post termi-
nals, install and tighten the supplied lead terminal
stud adapters. Do not use steel bolts. Failure to prop-
erly install the stud adapters, or using stud adapters
that are dirty or worn-out may result in false test
readings.
(2) If testing the battery IN-THE-VEHICLE, make
certain all of the vehicle accessory loads are OFF,
including the ignition.The preferred test positionis at the battery terminal. If the battery is not
accessible, you may test using both the positive and
negative jumper posts. Select TESTING AT JUMPER
POST when connecting to that location.
(3) Connect the tester to (Fig. 14) the battery or
jumper posts, the red clamp to positive (+) and the
black clamp to negative (±).
NOTE: Multiple batteries connected in parallel must
have the ground cable disconnected to perform a
battery test. Failure to disconnect may result in
false battery test readings.
NOTE: When testing the battery in a PT Cruiser,
always test at the battery terminals
(4) Using the ARROW key selectinoroutof vehi-
cle testing and press ENTER to make a selection.
(5) If not selected, choose the Cold Cranking Amp
(CCA) battery rating. Or select the appropriate bat-
tery rating for your area (see menu). The tester will
then run its self programmed test of the battery and
display the results. Refer to the test result table
noted below.
CAUTION: If REPLACE BATTERY is the result of the
test, this may mean a poor connection between the
vehicle's cables and battery exists. After discon-
necting the vehicle's battery cables from the bat-
tery, retest the battery using the OUT-OF-VEHICLE
test before replacing.
(6) While viewing the battery test result, press the
CODE button and the tester will prompt you for the
last 4 digits of the VIN. Use the UP/DOWN arrow
buttons to scroll to the correct character; then press
ENTER to select and move to the next digit. Then
press the ENTER button to view the SERVICE
CODE. Pressing the CODE button a second time will
return you to the test results.
BATTERY TEST RESULTS
GOOD BATTERY Return to service
GOOD - RECHARGE Fully charge battery and
return to service
CHARGE & RETEST Fully charge battery and
retest battery
REPLACE BATTERY Replace the battery and
retest complete system
BAD-CELL REPLACE Replace the battery and
retest complete system
NOTE: The SERVICE CODE is required on every
warranty claim submitted for battery replacement.
Fig. 14 MIDTRONICS BATTERY AND CHARGING
SYSTEM TESTER - Micro420
BR/BEBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 15
BATTERY (Continued)

BATTERY HOLDDOWN
DESCRIPTION
The battery hold down hardware (Fig. 17) includes
two bolts, two U-nuts and a hold down strap. The
battery hold down bracket consists of a formed steel
rod with a stamped steel angle bracket welded to
each end. The hold down bracket assembly is then
plastic-coated for corrosion protection. Models
equipped with the optional diesel engine have a sec-
ond battery installed in a second battery tray on the
right side of the engine compartment. The hold down
hardware for the right side battery is mirror image of
the hold down hardware used for the left side bat-
tery.
When installing a battery into the battery tray, be
certain that the hold down hardware is properly
installed and that the fasteners are tightened to the
proper specifications. Improper hold down fastener
tightness, whether too loose or too tight, can result in
damage to the battery, the vehicle or both.
OPERATION
The battery holddown secures the battery in the
battery tray. This holddown is designed to prevent
battery movement during the most extreme vehicle
operation conditions. Periodic removal and lubrica-tion of the battery holddown hardware is recom-
mended to prevent hardware seizure at a later date.
CAUTION: Never operate a vehicle without a battery
holddown device properly installed. Damage to the
vehicle, components and battery could result.
REMOVAL
All of the battery hold down hardware except for
the outboard U-nut can be serviced without removal
of the battery or the battery tray. The battery tray
must be removed from the vehicle to service the out-
board U-nut. If the outboard U-nut requires service
replacement, refer toBattery Trayin the index of
this service manual for the location of the proper bat-
tery tray removal and installation procedures.
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Be
certain that all electrical accessories are turned off.
(2) Loosen the battery negative cable terminal
clamp pinch-bolt hex nut.
(3) Disconnect the battery negative cable terminal
clamp from the battery negative terminal post. If
necessary, use a battery terminal puller to remove
the terminal clamp from the battery post.
(4) Remove the two battery hold down bolts from
the battery hold down strap (Fig. 18).
Fig. 17 Battery Hold Downs - Typical
1 - BATTERY TRAY
2 - U-NUT (2)
3 - BATTERY
4 - BOLT (2)
5 - HOLD DOWN STRAP
Fig. 18 Left Battery Hold Downs Remove/Install -
Typical for Right Battery
1 - BATTERY TRAY
2 - U-NUT (2)
3 - BATTERY
4 - BOLT (2)
5 - HOLD DOWN STRAP
BR/BEBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 17

(5) Remove the battery hold down strap from the
top of the battery case.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the battery hold down hard-
ware (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM
- CLEANING).
(2) Position the battery hold down strap across the
top of the battery case.
(3) Install and tighten the two battery hold down
bolts through the holes on each end of the hold down
strap and into the U-nuts on each side of the battery
tray. Tighten the bolts to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable terminal
clamp to the battery negative terminal post. Tighten
the terminal clamp pinch-bolt hex nut to 4 N´m (35
in. lbs.).
BATTERY CABLE
DESCRIPTION
The battery cables (Fig. 19) are large gauge,
stranded copper wires sheathed within a heavy plas-
tic or synthetic rubber insulating jacket. The wire
used in the battery cables combines excellent flexibil-
ity and reliability with high electrical current carry-
ing capacity. Refer toWiring Diagramsfor the
location of the proper battery cable wire gauge infor-
mation.The battery cables cannot be repaired and, if dam-
aged or faulty they must be replaced. Both the bat-
tery positive and negative cables are available for
service replacement only as a unit with the battery
positive cable wire harness or the battery negative
cable wire harness, which may include portions of
the wiring circuits for the generator and other com-
ponents on some models.
GASOLINE ENGINE BATTERY CABLES
Gasoline engine models feature a stamped brass
clamping type female battery terminal crimped onto
one end of the battery cable wire and then solder-
dipped. A square headed pinch-bolt and hex nut are
installed at the open end of the female battery termi-
nal clamp. The battery positive cable also includes a
red molded rubber protective cover for the female
battery terminal clamp. Large eyelet type terminals
are crimped onto the opposite end of the battery
cable wire and then solder-dipped. The battery posi-
tive cable wires have a red insulating jacket to pro-
vide visual identification and feature a larger female
battery terminal clamp to allow connection to the
larger battery positive terminal post. The battery
negative cable wires have a black insulating jacket
and a smaller female battery terminal clamp.
DIESEL ENGINE BATTERY CABLES
Diesel engine models feature a clamping type
female battery terminal made of soft lead die cast
onto one end of the battery cable wire. A square
headed pinch-bolt and hex nut are installed at the
open end of the female battery terminal clamp. The
pinch-bolt on the left side battery positive cable
female terminal clamp also has a stud extending
from the head of the bolt. Large eyelet type terminals
are crimped onto the opposite end of the battery
cable wire and then solder-dipped. The battery posi-
tive cable wires have a red insulating jacket to pro-
vide visual identification and feature a larger female
battery terminal clamp to allow connection to the
larger battery positive terminal post. The battery
negative cable wires have a black insulating jacket
and a smaller female battery terminal clamp.
OPERATION
The battery cables connect the battery terminal
posts to the vehicle electrical system. These cables
also provide a return path for electrical current gen-
erated by the charging system for restoring the volt-
age potential of the battery. The female battery
terminal clamps on the ends of the battery cable
wires provide a strong and reliable connection of the
battery cable to the battery terminal posts. The ter-
minal pinch bolts allow the female terminal clamps
to be tightened around the male terminal posts on
Fig. 19 Battery Cables - Typical
1 - EYELET
2 - NUT
3 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
4 - POSITIVE CABLE
5 - SCREW
6 - NEGATIVE CABLE
7 - EYELET
8 - CLIP
8F - 18 BATTERY SYSTEMBR/BE
BATTERY HOLDDOWN (Continued)

NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with a dual battery
system, Step 2 must be performed twice, once for
each battery.
(3) Connect the voltmeter to measure between the
battery positive cable terminal clamp and the starter
solenoid B(+) terminal stud (Fig. 23). Rotate and hold
the ignition switch in the Start position. Observe the
voltmeter. If the reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and
tighten the battery positive cable eyelet terminal con-
nection at the starter solenoid B(+) terminal stud.
Repeat the test. If the reading is still above 0.2 volt,
replace the faulty battery positive cable.
NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with a dual battery
system, Step 3 must be performed on the driver
side battery only.
(4) Connect the voltmeter to measure between the
battery negative cable terminal clamp and a good
clean ground on the engine block (Fig. 24). Rotate
and hold the ignition switch in the Start position.
Observe the voltmeter. If the reading is above 0.2
volt, clean and tighten the battery negative cable
eyelet terminal connection to the engine block.
Repeat the test. If the reading is still above 0.2 volt,
replace the faulty battery negative cable.
NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with a dual battery
system, Step 4 must be performed twice, once for
each battery.
REMOVAL
POSITIVE CABLE REMOVAL - GASOLINE
ENGINE
Both the battery negative cable and the battery
positive cable are serviced in the battery wire har-
ness. If either battery cable is damaged or faulty, the
battery wire harness assembly must be replaced.
(1) Remove the positive battery cable from the bat-
tery.
(2) Remove the cover from the PDC.
(3) Remove the positive battery cable from the
PDC.
Fig. 22 Test Battery Positive Connection Resistance
- Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 23 Test Battery Positive Cable Resistance -
Typical
1 - BATTERY
2 - VOLTMETER
3 - STARTER MOTOR
Fig. 24 Test Ground Circuit
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
3 - ENGINE GROUND
BR/BEBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 21
BATTERY CABLE (Continued)

(4) Disconnect the starter motor signal wire har-
ness connector, located on the PDC housing.
(5) Disengage wire harness assembly pushpin
retainers.
(6) From under the vehicle, disengage wire har-
ness assembly pushpin retainers.
(7) Remove the positive battery cable from the
starter motor B+ terminal stud.
(8) Remove the starter motor trigger wire from the
starter motor.
(9) Remove the positive cable wire harness assem-
bly from the vehicle.
NEGATIVE CABLE REMOVAL - GASOLINE
ENGINE
Both the battery negative cable and the battery
positive cable are serviced in the battery wire har-
ness. If either battery cable is damaged or faulty, the
battery wire harness unit must be replaced.
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Be
certain that all electrical accessories are turned off.
(2) Loosen the battery negative cable terminal
clamp pinch-bolt hex nut.
(3) Disconnect the battery negative cable terminal
clamp from the battery negative terminal post. If
necessary, use a battery terminal puller to remove
the terminal clamp from the battery post.
(4) Remove the negative cable jumper from the left
side of the radiator closure panel.
(5) Remove the negative cable jumper from the left
side of the frame assembly.
(6) Remove the PDC cover and remove the gener-
ator output wire from the PDC.
(7) Following the wire, remove the pushpin retain-
ers holding the wire assembly in place.
(8) Remove the negative cable eyelet from the
power steering pump pivot bolt.
(9) Remove the generator output wire from the
generator.
(10) Remove the negative battery cable assembly,
by fishing out from under the compressor mounting
bracket, if equipped.
INSTALLATION
POSITIVE CABLE INSTALLATION - GASOLINE
ENGINE
(1) Position the battery wire harness into the
engine compartment.
(2) Install the positive battery cable on the battery.
(3) Install the positive battery cable on the PDC.
(4) Install the cover on the PDC.
(5) Connect the starter motor signal wire harness
connector, located on the PDC housing.(6) Install wire harness assembly pushpin retain-
ers in their original position.
(7) From under the vehicle, install wire harness
assembly pushpin retainers.
(8) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
battery positive cable eyelet terminal to the B(+) ter-
minal stud on the starter solenoid. Tighten the nut to
10 N´m (90 in. lbs.).
(9) Connect the starter motor trigger wire on the
starter motor.
(10) Reconnect the battery positive cable terminal
clamp to the battery positive terminal post. Tighten
the terminal clamp pinch-bolt hex nut to 4 N´m (35
in. lbs.).
(11) Apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly or
chassis grease to the exposed surfaces of the battery
cable terminal clamps and the battery terminal
posts.
NEGATIVE CABLE INSTALLATION - GASOLINE
ENGINE
(1) Position the battery wire harness into the
engine compartment and under the compressor
mounting bracket, if equipped.
(2) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
battery negative cable ground eyelet terminal to the
stud on the power steering pump pivot bolt.
(3) Install the generator output cable eyelet termi-
nal onto the generator output terminal stud.
(4) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
generator output cable eyelet terminal to the genera-
tor output terminal stud. Tighten the nut to 8.4 N´m
(75 in. lbs.).
(5) Position the cover for the generator output ter-
minal stud housing onto the back of the generator
and snap it into place.
(6) Secure wire assembly in place with pushpin
retainers in there original positions.
(7) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
battery negative cable eyelet terminal to the radiator
closure panel, near the battery. Tighten the screw to
40 in. lbs.
(8) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
battery negative cable eyelet terminal to the left
front side of the frame assembly. Tighten the screw
to 80 in. lbs.
(9) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
battery positive cable eyelet terminal and the gener-
ator output cable eyelet terminal to the PDC B(+)
terminal stud. Tighten the nut to 80 in. lbs.
(10) Reconnect the battery negative cable terminal
clamp to the battery negative terminal post. Tighten
the terminal clamp pinch-bolt hex nut to 35 in. lbs.
(11)
Apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly or chas-
sis grease to the exposed surfaces of the battery cable
terminal clamps and the battery terminal posts.
8F - 22 BATTERY SYSTEMBR/BE
BATTERY CABLE (Continued)

²a faulty or improperly adjusted switch that
allows a lamp to stay on. Refer to Ignition-Off Draw
Test in 8, Battery for more information.
INSPECTION
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors
critical input and output circuits of the charging sys-
tem, making sure they are operational. A Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) is assigned to each input and
output circuit monitored by the On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) system. Some charging system circuits are
checked continuously, and some are checked only
under certain conditions.
Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Codes in; Powertrain
Control Module; Electronic Control Modules for more
DTC information. This will include a complete list of
DTC's including DTC's for the charging system.
To perform a complete test of the charging system,
refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Proce-
dures service manual and the DRBtscan tool. Per-
form the following inspections before attaching the
scan tool.
(1) Inspect the battery condition. Refer to 8, Bat-
tery for procedures.(2) Inspect condition of battery cable terminals,
battery posts, connections at engine block, starter
solenoid and relay. They should be clean and tight.
Repair as required.
(3) Inspect all fuses in both the fuseblock and
Power Distribution Center (PDC) for tightness in
receptacles. They should be properly installed and
tight. Repair or replace as required.
(4) Inspect generator mounting bolts for tightness.
Replace or tighten bolts if required. Refer to the Gen-
erator Removal/Installation section of this group for
torque specifications.
(5) Inspect generator drive belt condition and ten-
sion. Tighten or replace belt as required. Refer to
Belt Tension Specifications in 7, Cooling System.
(6) Inspect automatic belt tensioner (if equipped).
Refer to 7, Cooling System for information.
(7) Inspect generator electrical connections at gen-
erator field, battery output, and ground terminal (if
equipped). Also check generator ground wire connec-
tion at engine (if equipped). They should all be clean
and tight. Repair as required.
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERATOR RATINGS
TYPE PART NUMBER RATED SAE AMPS ENGINESMINIMUM TEST
AMPS
DENSO 56028920AB 1365.9L
GAS100
DENSO 56029913AA 1175.9L
GAS90
BOSCH 56028237AB 1175.9L
GAS90
BOSCH 56028238AB 1365.9L
GAS100
DENSO 56027221AD 1365.9L
DIESEL120
BOSCH 56028239AB 1365.9L
DIESEL120
BOSCH 56028560AA 136 8.0L 100
DENSO 560289200AC 136 8.0L 100
8F - 26 CHARGINGBR/BE
CHARGING (Continued)

(2) Disconnect sensor pigtail harness from engine
wire harness.
(3) Pry sensor straight up from battery tray
mounting hole.
INSTALLATION
The battery temperature sensor is located under
the vehicle battery (Fig. 1) and is attached (snapped
into) a mounting hole on battery tray. On models
equipped with a diesel engine (dual batteries), only
one sensor is used. The sensor is located under the
battery on drivers side of vehicle.
(1) Feed pigtail harness through mounting hole in
top of battery tray and press sensor into top of tray
(snaps in).
(2) Connect pigtail harness.
(3) Install battery. Refer to 8A, Battery for proce-
dures.
GENERATOR
DESCRIPTION
The generator is belt-driven by the engine using a
serpentine type drive belt. It is serviced only as a
complete assembly. If the generator fails for any rea-
son, the entire assembly must be replaced.
OPERATION
As the energized rotor begins to rotate within the
generator, the spinning magnetic field induces a cur-
rent into the windings of the stator coil. Once the
generator begins producing sufficient current, it also
provides the current needed to energize the rotor.
The Y type stator winding connections deliver the
induced alternating current to 3 positive and 3 neg-
ative diodes for rectification. From the diodes, recti-
fied direct current is delivered to the vehicle
electrical system through the generator battery ter-
minal.
Although the generators appear the same exter-
nally, different generators with different output rat-
ings are used on this vehicle. Be certain that the
replacement generator has the same output rating
and part number as the original unit. Refer to Gen-
erator Ratings in the Specifications section at the
back of this group for amperage ratings and part
numbers.
Noise emitting from the generator may be caused
by: worn, loose or defective bearings; a loose or defec-
tive drive pulley; incorrect, worn, damaged or misad-
justed fan drive belt; loose mounting bolts; a
misaligned drive pulley or a defective stator or diode.
REMOVAL
WARNING: DISCONNECT NEGATIVE CABLE FROM
BATTERY BEFORE REMOVING BATTERY OUTPUT
WIRE (B+ WIRE) FROM GENERATOR. FAILURE TO
DO SO CAN RESULT IN INJURY OR DAMAGE TO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.
Diesel Engines: Disconnect both negative battery
cables at both batteries.
(2) Remove generator drive belt. Refer to 7, Cool-
ing System for procedure.
(3) Gasoline Engines: Remove generator pivot and
mounting bolts/nut (Fig. 2) or (Fig. 3).
(4) Diesel Engines: Loosen (but do not remove)
generator mounting bracket-to-engine bolt (Fig. 4).
(5) All Engines: Remove upper generator mounting
bolt and lower mounting bolt/nut.
(6) Remove B+ terminal mounting nut at rear of
generator (Fig. 5) or (Fig. 6). Disconnect terminal
from generator.
(7) Disconnect field wire connector at rear of gen-
erator by pushing on connector tab.
(8) Remove generator from vehicle.
Fig. 2 Remove/Install GeneratorÐ5.9L Engines
1 - MOUNTING BOLT
2 - GENERATOR
3 - MOUNTING BRACKET
4 - MOUNTING BOLT/NUT
8F - 28 CHARGINGBR/BE
BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)